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Weitchpec, California facts for kids

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Weitchpec
Weitchpec is located in California
Weitchpec
Weitchpec
Location in California
Country United States
State California
County Humboldt County
Elevation
361 ft (110 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 112
Zip code
95546

Weitchpec (/ˈwɛpɛk/ WETCH-pek) is a small community in Humboldt County, California. It is an unincorporated community, which means it is not part of a city. Weitchpec is located within the Yurok reservation.

About Weitchpec

Weitchpec is in the northwestern part of California. It is about 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Eureka. The community sits at an elevation of 361 feet (110 meters) above sea level.

Where Rivers Meet

Weitchpec is a special place because it is where two important rivers meet. These are the Klamath River and the Trinity River. This meeting point of rivers is called a "confluence." Two state highways, Highway 96 and Highway 169, also meet here. The ZIP Code for Weitchpec is 95546.

A Look Back in Time

Yurok Geography (Waterman) map 32
Map showing old Yurok villages near Weitchpec

In the 1800s, Weitchpec had a few temporary names. It was sometimes called Durkee's Ferry or Weitchpec Bar. Durkee's Ferry was named after Clark W. Durkee. He ran a ferry boat service there in 1851.

In 1855, the government set up a temporary army base in Weitchpec. It was first called Camp Strowbridge. Later, it was known as Fort Wool.

Weitchpec has been part of different counties over the years. It was first in Trinity County. Then, in 1851, it became part of Klamath County. After 1874, it joined Humboldt County, where it is today. A post office served Weitchpec from 1858 to 1860. It opened again from 1891 until 1962.

Weitchpec Today

Today, Weitchpec has a few important places for the community. There is a small store and gas station. This store is owned by the Yurok tribe. It used to be called Pierson's Grocery.

The community also has the Yurok Tribal Office and a Community Center. These places are important for the Yurok people living there. Weitchpec Elementary School is also located in the community. As of 2010, people could take evening classes in the Yurok language in Weitchpec. This helps keep the language alive.

Earthquake in 2012

On February 13, 2012, an earthquake happened near Weitchpec. It had a strength of 5.6. The center of the earthquake was close to the community.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Weitchpec para niños

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